These are my most trusted mini PC brands — with personal recommendations, shopping insights, and safety tips to help you find a reliable little computer

Mini PCs are impressively small computers that offer a lot of power in a tiny size. They’re also a great value, often costing much less than traditional desktops or laptops.

Choosing a mini PC can be overwhelming with so many choices available, and unfortunately, some less reputable companies sell devices with hidden malware. That’s why I only suggest buying from brands we’ve thoroughly tested and can confidently recommend.

As an analyst, I’ve compiled a guide to help you choose the right mini PC. I’ve included some key things to consider when making a purchase, and I’m also sharing a list of the mini PC brands we trust most, along with the reasons behind our recommendations.

You can often fix potentially unsafe mini PCs by resetting them to factory settings and installing a fresh copy of Windows 11, making them usable. However, if you’re not tech-savvy, it’s best to simply buy a reliable mini PC from the start. Even with a clean install, there’s no absolute guarantee that all harmful software is gone.

Our most trusted mini PC brands

As an analyst, I’ve compiled a list of the brands we rely on most, presented alphabetically. It’s worth noting that some of these brands have extensive PC lineups, while others focus on a more limited selection of models.

ASUS ROG — Some of the mini PCs in the NUC line (previously Intel’s) are honest-to-goodness gaming mini PCs. So, if you want a powerful mini PC for playing video games locally, this is the brand to consider.
Beelink — Excellent budget brand with a wide range of models and configurations to choose from.
Dell — One of the world’s most well-known computer companies. It offers a Dell Pro Micro line (previously OptiPlex) of mini PCs with plenty of configurations to choose from.
Geekom — My personal favorite mini PC company. It offers a robust range of options with several configurations to choose from. This brand also tends to cost less than top brands while still offering a healthy range of ports and great performance.
HP — Another of the world’s top computer companies. HP notably offers the Z2 Mini (G1a) mini PC, a powerful AI computer with impressive graphics capabilities.
Lenovo — The world’s top desktop and laptop manufacturer. Its ThinkCentre and IdeaCentre mini PCs tend to offer solid performance.

Check out our list of the best mini PCs we’ve tested to find our top recommendations.

Tips for buying a reliable and safe mini PC

Don’t trust reviewer ratings on Amazon: Reviews can be very helpful for understanding a product’s capabilities. However, there are plenty of people out there who have bought an inexpensive mini PC and enjoy using it without realizing that it has shady software on it that could steal your information. For this reason, you cannot trust reviewer ratings. Remember, reviews can be faked or written by someone who doesn’t know whether a device is safe.
Only purchase from trusted brands, avoid generic ones: While there are several trustworthy mini PC manufacturers out there, there are also hundreds of cheap companies that have cut corners to create an inferior product or have allowed malicious software to be placed on their devices.
Only purchase from the seller who manufactured the mini PC: If you’re shopping at a retailer that allows third-party sellers, like Walmart or Amazon, you need to be careful. Mini PCs from third parties can be tampered with before being shipped out to you. This being the case, make sure you only purchase from trusted companies and ensure that the device you are buying is actually sold by the seller (company) that manufactured it. Do not buy a device from a company that didn’t make it.
Make sure you know what you’re getting in the box: Some mini PCs will come with all of the cables and accessories you need to connect the computer to a monitor. However, some might not come with everything you need, so you might need to make additional purchases.

You need at least a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cables: Just as with desktops, mini PCs need to be connected to necessary accessories before you can use them. Make sure you have everything you need, including a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and either a USB-C or HDMI display cable to connect the monitor to the mini PC.
Understand port selection and upgradability before buying: Most mini PCs do not offer a lot of customization options. Some will make it very easy to upgrade RAM or SSDs, but others won’t. Additionally, some mini PCs will have a wider range of ports than others. Make sure you choose one that allows you to connect the accessories you’ll want to use and allows you to do the upgrades you want.
Avoid a deal if it seems too good to be true: While it is possible to find a really good sale like a Black Friday mini PC deal, there are also plenty of scammers out there hoping you buy their disingenuous product. Avoid a deal if it seems too good.
Make sure you get the operating system you want: The vast majority of mini PCs are Windows devices; however, it is also possible to get a macOS device or, in some rare instances, a Linux device. At any rate, make sure you get an OS that fits what you’re looking for.
Beware of preloaded bloatware, spyware, or other malicious software: There are plenty of dishonest mini PC companies that allow malicious software to be installed on their devices, even on generic devices that look especially professional. If you do buy from a generic company or third-party seller, be on the lookout for forced software usage or anything out of the norm.

Mini PC FAQ

Why is it dangerous to get a shady mini PC?

Certain inexpensive mini PCs can be risky because they might come with hidden software that steals your personal information or forces you to use a specific browser. It’s best to avoid logging into any accounts on these devices and definitely don’t connect them to your home or work network, as they could cause problems.

Are there safe mini PCs?

You can definitely get a good mini PC, but it’s important to buy from reputable brands and sellers.

What should I do if my mini PC comes with malicious software?

If you discover your mini PC has become a security risk, immediately disconnect it from the internet and your network. Then, completely erase and reinstall the operating system to ensure it’s safe.

Most compromised mini PCs only have threats embedded in their software. Luckily, a fresh installation of Windows can usually eliminate these dangers.

While reinstalling the operating system can often fix software problems, it’s important to remember that some harmful software can be built directly into the hardware. Therefore, a clean install doesn’t guarantee your device will be completely safe.

Be careful! A fresh installation of Windows can sometimes cause problems with your mini PC’s hardware. For example, after I reinstalled Windows to remove a virus, the Wi-Fi stopped functioning.

What are some trusted mini PC brands?

Based on our testing, we recommend mini PCs from these brands: Geekom, Beelink, ASUS, Lenovo, HP, and Dell.

When does Black Friday start?

Black Friday will be on November 28th, 2025, the day after Thanksgiving. It always falls on the last Friday of November.

Black Friday deals have already begun! Many retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are offering discounts now, even before the official start of the sale.

Stick with a safe and trusted mini PC

I hope this information was useful! Mini PCs have really simplified things for me because they’re small and often much more affordable than traditional computers. Despite their size and price, they still provide plenty of ports, good performance, and all the features you need.

Just be cautious of scams and unreliable products when you’re shopping. Choosing well-known brands over cheaper, generic options, and being wary of unbelievably low prices, will help you find a great and trustworthy small computer.

2025-11-05 16:14